I tend to be partial to McIntosh equipment, and in the early 1970's had the original MC275, which I'd recommend over the MC240, as there are many more of these available for purchase, and you can get a newer model.
Luxman - Shindo - Mcintosh ?
I am starting my research on a new (used) tube amplifier, and my budget is around $2.5K to $3.5K. I have a PS Audio BHK Pre, a pair of Altec Lansing Valencias (16 ohm), a Linn LP 12 turntable with Pass Labs XP15 Phono Stage which would make up the rest of the system. Kind of a new / vintage hybrid set up. I have a bunch of other gear, and will need to sell some off for this purchase.
Tube Amps that initially jump out at me are...
Mcintosh MC240 (serviced)
Luxman MQ 3600
Shindo Montille EL84
Any thoughts or recommendations would be welcome
Mark
Tube Amps that initially jump out at me are...
Mcintosh MC240 (serviced)
Luxman MQ 3600
Shindo Montille EL84
Any thoughts or recommendations would be welcome
Mark
21 responses Add your response
...do you think the MC225 would be the best value ?Best value? Dunno. They go for about the same as the MC240. But the amp only has 2 gain stages (as opposed to 3 on the MC240) and the 7591A tubes make for a very sweet sound. I've owned lots of tube amps but this one is my all round favorite. All the amps you listed and are being recommended are wonderful. I think the MC225 is special but you really need to hear a few so that you can judge for yourself. If you but a good amp at a fair price you will always be able to sell it for at (or near) what you paid. |
I have 2 of the Luxman MQ88uSEs (basically the same as that listing from US Audio Mart). I'm running them in mono configuration from a Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme preamp. The sound is incredible, and I'd recommend you jump on that listing if you have the budget. The uC version has 16 ohm speaker taps. There is a transparency and shimmer to the Luxman sound that is magical - but with the KT88 power tubes there is plenty of tight, dynamic bass as well. I don't know much about the other amps you listed but I cannot imagine anyone in the market for a tube power amplifier would be disappointed with the MQ-88uC. |
Mark, As tswista says the Coincident Frankenstein is a superb sounding SET amplifier that would IMO work well with your 97 db sensitivity 16 ohm (very easy load speakers). . If a used Frankenstein is not available in your price range consider the Coincident Dynamo latest version the MK III. Ii is a singled ended class A circuit so a different approach compared to the push pull amps suggested above. It is available as an el 34 or as a 300b based SEP 8 watt amplifier. .I believe this type of Charles |
The amps you listed use different power tubes and sound quite different. If I were looking for a tube power amp for this system it would be a mac MC225. Sounds sweeter than the MC240 IMO. New Tung Sol 7591A power tubes are relatively inexpensive and sound great. My next choice would be an EL84 amp. The Shindo Montille is superb but there are other, less expensive options. |
At an asking price of $3,650, this used Luxman MQ-88uC would pique my interest. You could probably get it in your price range. https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649567981-luxman-mq-88uc-vacuum-tube-power-amplifier-115v-us-mint-condition/ |